Functionalized Polymers for Tire Tread Traction and Rolling Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rubber tire treads face a trade-off between good traction and low rolling resistance, with compositions designed for traction often increasing rolling resistance and vice versa, and existing methods for improving filler dispersion in elastomeric materials are limited in achieving a balance of these properties.
Innovation Solution
Development of functionalized polymers with specific terminal functionalities and microstructures, capable of interacting with particulate fillers like carbon black and silica, which are incorporated into elastomeric compositions to enhance dispersion and balance traction and rolling resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If compositions are designed to provide good road traction, then traction is improved, but rolling resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the chemical parameters of the polymer by introducing terminal functionalities (isocyanate, hydroxyl, carboxylic acid groups) through controlled polymerization and post-polymerization reactions. This modifies the polymer's interaction with filler surfaces, enabling improved filler dispersion and interfacial adhesion that simultaneously enhances traction and reduces hysteresis-related rolling resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite system where functionalized polymer chains with specific terminal groups interact with particulate fillers (carbon black, silica). The functional groups form chemical or strong physical interactions with filler surfaces, creating an optimized composite structure that balances traction and rolling resistance by controlling the polymer-filler interface
2Stability of the object's composition
If filler interaction with elastomer is increased to improve dispersion, then dispersion is improved, but processability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary functionalization of the polymer chains during or immediately after polymerization, before compounding with fillers. The terminal functionalities are pre-installed on polymer chains, ready to interact with filler surfaces during mixing, which facilitates dispersion without requiring excessive mixing energy or complex processing conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls the degree of functionalization and the type of terminal groups to optimize the balance between filler interaction strength and processability. By adjusting polymerization conditions and selecting appropriate functional groups, the polymer maintains suitable viscosity and processability while achieving improved filler dispersion through enhanced interfacial interactions
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The functionalized polymers improve the interaction with fillers, leading to reduced hysteresis and enhanced physical properties, such as increased bound rubber content, tensile strength, and improved traction while maintaining low rolling resistance.
Implementation Method 1
The functionalized polymers improve the interaction with fillers, leading to reduced hysteresis and enhanced physical properties
Implementation Method 2
functional groups that include at least one heteroatom... capable of interacting with particulate fillers like carbon black and silica
Implementation Method 3
motor vehicle fuel efficiency concerns argue for a minimization in their rolling resistance, which correlates with a reduction in hysteresis and heat build-up during operation of the tire
Data Source
AI summary
A functionalized polymer includes a polymer chain and a terminal group linked to the chain through a functionality that contains one or more urethane groups. The functionalized polymer can be provided by reacting a nucleophile with a polymer having terminal iso(thio)cyanate functionality which, in turn, can be provided by reacting a terminally active polymer with a polyiso(thio)cyanate. Even polymers that contain substantial amounts of styrene mer can be used in the described process.